BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced immediate tariffs and visa restrictions against Colombia following the South American country's rejection of two military flights intended to deport migrants back to Colombia. This decision has ignited tensions between the Trump administration and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, particularly over the treatment of deportees.
Trump, known for his hardline stance on immigration, expressed via his social media platform, Truth Social, his discontent with Colombia's decision, which he claims jeopardizes national security. "These measures are just the beginning," he declared, emphasizing the necessity of holding the Colombian government accountable for its obligations to accept repatriated criminals from the U.S. The president's actions are primarily aimed at enforcing stricter repatriation protocols.
Earlier on Sunday, Petro announced on social media his government's decision to deny access to U.S. military flights carrying Colombian migrants. Petro argued for the need to treat deported individuals with dignity, stating, "A migrant is not a criminal and must be treated with the dignity..." He requested the U.S. to establish protocols ensuring respectful treatment for migrants before Colombia would accept them again.
This announcement came as former Colombian military aircraft were prepared to receive the deportees, who number approximately 80 for the two rejected flights. Colombia accepted over 475 deportation flights from the U.S. between 2020 and 2024, ranking fifth behind Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador, with 124 of those flights occurring in just this year.
Specifically, Trump's retaliatory measures included the implementation of 25% tariffs on all Colombian goods, which are set to escalate to 50% within one week. This is expected to affect various imports such as crude oil, coal, coffee, and fresh flowers—critical suppliers for U.S. markets. There is concern this move might impact the pricing of roses and other flowers as Valentine’s Day approaches.
Trump also stated he would revoke visas and impose travel bans on not just officials of the Colombian government, but also their allies and supporters. While the immediate impact on trade has raised eyebrows, some analysts have questioned the effectiveness of these measures since Colombia holds largely beneficial trade relations with the U.S., and its economy depends on American commerce.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed Trump's stance, asserting the Colombian government's decision was emblematic of disregarding their responsibility to accept repatriation flights. This situation escalates what many observers describe as Trump making Colombia an example of his stricter immigration policy as the administration gears up for a broader crackdown on illegal immigration.
Critics of Trump’s policies have expressed concern over the militarization of immigration enforcement, claiming it could lead to human rights abuses and view migrants through the lens of criminality rather than as individuals deserving compassion and support. Colombia's rejection of U.S. military flights—which transported migrants shackled and restrained in the past—underscores this growing sentiment and the need for reform.
Petro, Colombia's first leftist president, reinforced his position by advocating for humane treatment, stating, "A migrant is not a criminal... we will welcome our compatriots on civilian planes and without treating them like criminals." This statement reflects not only his administration's approach to migration but also the broader challenge facing many Latin American leaders amid U.S. immigration policy shifts.
The diplomatic rift between Washington and Bogotá has not occurred in isolation; it also resonates with similar refusals from other Latin American nations, like Mexico, to accept deportations under such conditions, signaling widespread unrest toward the U.S.’s treatment of migrants.
Looking forward, the impacts of these rapid decisions will ripple through various aspects of the relationship between the U.S. and Colombia, particularly as both nations navigate this complex web of economic ties, human rights issues, and the harsh realities of immigration. Trump has made it clear his administration intends to hold nations accountable for the acceptance of their deported citizens, raising the stakes on both sides.
With heightened customs inspections and increased tariffs, the immediate economic ramifications for Colombia could be significant, leading to calls for renewed negotiations between the two countries. The repercussions from the Colombian government's decision may mark just the start of protracted diplomatic negotiations as both countries grapple with their respective prerogatives.
Colombians have emerged as one of the most prominent groups at the U.S.-Mexico border, making up countless detainees seeking to enter the U.S. This new wave of immigration is intertwined with Colombia’s historical position as one of the U.S.'s closest allies in Latin America, which raises questions about how both sides will craft solutions moving forward to address these pressing issues together, rather than deepening the divide.